ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: We are back in Ecuador!! Our flight for October 12 ended up being canceled, but we were able to find a different one for the 4th. It was a long flight, but it went as well as it could have with only minor complications. Adjustment to life here has gone fairly smoothly and we have been enjoying family time with Raul's family. Tiago has also been adjusting very well, and doesn't seem too bothered by the change of climate. PRAY: We are looking for a vehicle- please pray that we would find a good one that will work well for both personal and ministry needs. Prayer for our continued adjustment to life here in Ecuador- it looks a whole lot different than before with a pandemic and a baby. We need wisdom in how much to be involved in different things- especially for Jessenia as she works out how to do sponsorship things for the school and takes care of Tiago. Raul has been struggling with tinnitus in both of his ears and since moving back to Ecuador has found that it is bothering him more than before.
Jenn Brubacher - November 2020
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: There are a lot of things to be thankful for. My dear friend, Syliva Horst, has joined us at Youth Unlimited YFC to complete her college placement-- what a blessing. We’ve been having amazing contact with students at the lunch drop-in, Tuesday night drop-in program, Tuesday afternoon volleyball and North, the high school classroom in our building. This month at Gains (leadership + exercise program) we are looking at what the Bible says about suffering. This has been a great time to connect with students, build relationships, laugh and encourage them as they continue to navigate this difficult season. I’ve been leading ‘bruBaking with Jenn Brubacher’ (a fun play on words!) at drop-in to teach students basic cooking/baking skills. All of these activities were created with the intent of building meaningful relationships and to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Our team is having great conversations with students and for that, I’m thankful. PRAY: For staff and students alike, this has been a trying season. Please pray for good, physical rest and peace in this chaotic season. There are a number of students whose parents are divorcing, mental health needs are increasing and making decisions for the future even more difficult. Lord, we pray for Your healing power in these places. Thank you for holding every piece, for knowing every student and for your plan for redemption. Have your way, Lord. Amen.
Phil & Andrea - November 2020 Update
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: That Kieran has an MRI appointment for his ankle but it is not until December. That Andrea has been able to develop priorities for the next 6 months of her International Personnel Coordinator Development role. For the number of new people that are in process of joining teams in the Middle East. For good progress on key conversations as Phil facilitates discussions with global leaders on ministry funding processes and structures. For the privilege to mentor leaders Dan & Christie for the last 2 years. PRAY: For Kieran’s MRI appointment to be moved sooner so he can get a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For a co-op job for Cara. For wisdom as we begin mentoring Jonathan and Amie for the next 2 years. For a good virtual retreat with our International Leadership Team. This is the one time a year when we get together in person but we’ll make do with the virtual this year. That God would provide the needed financial support, even in these challenging times, for those that want to join teams in the Middle East.
Trevor & Hannah - October 2020
MARTIN, TREVOR & HANNAH (Waterloo, ON; Power to Change) PRAISE: For about 500 students who attended our 2 Online (Summit) fall retreats. Pray that they would have courage & trust God with the faith steps that they each wrote down. Praise God for a good amount of first year students who've been getting involved at the University of Waterloo! PRAY: Please pray for 10 student focused Alpha Groups that we are running across Canada this semester (mostly online). Please pray for wisdom, courage and the Lord's leading as all of our campus ministries seek to reach out in new and different ways. It's challenging to do outreach in new and different ways without in-person ministry.
Russ & Meredith - October 2020
MARTIN, RUSS & MEREDITH (Singapore; Power to Change) PRAISE: Good progress with helping teams in Africa use social media for ministry. Meaningful conversations with non-believing neighbors. Lots of space during this time of restriction to be together as a family. PRAY: For skin and allergy issues/challenges that have resurfaced with Heath (4). For the marketing plan Russ is leading for promoting a digital missions event happening in 60 global cities over two weekends this month. For knowing how to navigate a conversation with the person living in our home in the US that lost their job and can't pay rent.